Correct Answer : NASA
NASA has unveiled its ambitious plan to construct the first lunar railway system, known as FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track), designed to revolutionize payload transport on the Moon. This innovative system aims to provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient transportation essential for the daily operations of a sustainable lunar base, aligning with NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative and mission concepts like the Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 2 (RLSO2).
An Overview of FLOAT System :
The
FLOAT system utilizes unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over a
3-layer flexible film track. These tracks consist of a graphite layer for passive floating using diamagnetic levitation, a flex-circuit layer for generating electromagnetic thrust to propel robots along the tracks, and an optional thin-film solar panel layer for power generation when exposed to sunlight. By eliminating moving parts, FLOAT robots minimize lunar dust abrasion and wear, providing a durable and long-lasting transportation solution.
Key Features of FLOAT
Here are the key features of Flexible Levitation on a Track System (FLOAT System) :* Magnetic Levitation Technology : FLOAT will utilize magnetic robots levitating over a specially designed three-layer film track, minimizing abrasion from lunar dust.
* Payload Capacity : The transport system is projected to move at approximately
1.61 kilometers per hour, with the capability to transport up to 100 tons of material daily to and from NASA’s future lunar base.
* Targeted Applications : FLOAT will primarily serve as a transportation service for areas where astronauts are active, transporting lunar soil and other materials across the lunar surface. Additionally, it will facilitate the transportation of larger loads of materials and equipment between spacecraft landing sites and base locations.